What are R values?
R values are a way to assess how well thermal insulation works. Find out what's considered high and low where R values are...
Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC)
AAC is concrete that contains many tiny air bubbles, making it 20% of the weight of regular concrete. AAC is an excellent insulator, and...
Straw bale insulation
People have been making houses from straw bales for centuries. Straw bales can be remarkably effective insulators, but straw bale homes must be expertly...
Polyurethane foam insulation
In the right form and circumstances, polyurethane foam insulation can work well as a soundproofing material - particularly for muting midrange noises like music...
Structural insulated panels (SIPs)
SIPs are wall materials comprised of polystyrene sandwiched between two rigid panels. While they're not cheap, SIPs offer additional advantages in terms of thermal...
Polystyrene insulation
Polystyrene is an increasingly popular insulation material, used either as a part of structural insulated panels (SIPs) or as individual blocks or sheets. Polystyrene...
Natural wool insulation
The ability of sheep's wool insulation to provide effective soundproofing comes down to how thick it is. Find out more about how sheep's wool...
Rock wool insulation
Also known as 'mineral wool', this type of insulation is made from rock spun into thin strands and then bound together. It's normally sold...
Glass wool insulation
Glass wool is made from fibreglass, and is available either as rolls of insulation, or as batts or blanketing. Glass wool is relatively inexpensive,...
Cellulose insulation
Cellulose insulation is made from plant fibres, and is used to insulate wall and roof cavities. Cellulose insulation does an excellent job of controlling...